Since its launch, TikTok has captivated millions with short, engaging videos. In January 2026, the platform transitioned to U.S. ownership, previously managed by ByteDance, a Chinese company. This shift came with a new privacy policy, sparking concerns over data security. Here’s what these changes mean for users.

On January 22, TikTok confirmed its new ownership, led by Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake. The move aims to avoid federal scrutiny, as ByteDance faced pressure to sell or risk being barred from the U.S. market. Along with the ownership change, TikTok introduced a revised user agreement and privacy policy.

Social media immediately reacted. Many users expressed worry about how much data TikTok could now access, with some deleting their accounts. A key concern: the collection of “precise location information,” a major shift from previous policies.

Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), highlighted the risks of precise location tracking. Where older terms prohibited collecting exact GPS information, the new policy allows the app to gather detailed location data. Fitzgerald noted that this could reveal very specific information about users’ whereabouts.

The updated privacy policy also expands the types of sensitive personal data TikTok can collect. These include:

•Racial or ethnic origin

•National origin

•Religious beliefs

•Mental health conditions

•Sexual orientation

•Financial information

TikTok states it processes this data in accordance with applicable laws, aligning with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which emphasizes transparency in data collection.

Location tracking now plays a central role. Users with location services enabled may have their precise position tracked. While disabling location tracking on devices reduces this risk, apps can still infer general locations via IP addresses.

Users now face a choice: accept the new terms to continue using TikTok or lose access. Fitzgerald explained that if agreeing is the only option, it doesn’t constitute a true choice, highlighting the need for better transparency and user control over personal data.

To protect your information:

•Review your privacy settings and disable location tracking if unnecessary.

•Be cautious about sharing personal information in videos.

•Stay informed about policy changes through trusted privacy advocacy resources.

TikTok’s updates illustrate the tension between convenience and safety. Users must remain aware of how platforms handle their data and make informed choices. As social media evolves, balancing creativity with privacy is essential for protecting our digital lives